The Holiday Heroes campaign has helped children and families in West Tennessee for nearly 20 years by connecting corporate and community volunteers to fulfill the holiday wish lists of local youth.

This year, nearly 1,800 West Tennessee youth our residential campuses and community-based programs received gifts and winter necessities through the annual campaign. Hundreds of shoppers, sponsors and volunteers made this season extra special.

This year’s presenting sponsor, C.H. Robinson, contributed $15,000, fulfilled wish lists for 50 youth and sorted gifts in Santa’s workshop.

“C.H. Robinson is proud to support Youth Villages’ mission to help children, families and young adults reach their full potential,” said John Strange, C.H. Robinson’s director of strategic accounts. “Holiday Heroes is a perfect way for our team to get involved and make a difference during the holidays.”

On Dec.18, the Dogwood campus hosted its annual Holiday Heroes unwrapping party where 88 young people opened gifts and sang Christmas carols. Among them was 16-year-old Aiden, whose excitement was unmistakable as he tore into his presents.

Aiden has been part of Dogwood campus’ community since he was 14. His favorite activity on campus is drumming, a passion he proudly describes. “It helps me calm down, and I’m the best drummer,” he said.

Aiden performed during the holiday party alongside seven other youth from the IKENGA team, a Youth Villages’ West African therapeutic drumming program. This year, Aiden’s gifts included a leather jacket, a portable charger, Pokémon gear and a video game console.

Rehearsing for the holiday show, capturing memories in photos, and meeting new people were among Aiden’s favorite moments from the celebration. The Dogwood Holiday Heroes unwrapping party was made possible by campus sponsor Southern Security who not only sponsored the party but also shopped for 28 youth from two campus cottages.

Throughout November and December, additional partners ensured every child’s holiday wishes were met by hosting community events.

Memphis Pride Cheer made an impact by hosting performances for 24 teams and showcasing their routines and skills for loved ones, while giving back to the community.

Rehearsing for the holiday show, capturing memories in photos, and meeting new people were among Aiden’s favorite moments from the celebration. The Dogwood Holiday Heroes unwrapping party was made possible by campus sponsor Southern Security who not only sponsored the party but also shopped for 28 youth from two campus cottages.

Throughout November and December, additional partners ensured every child’s holiday wishes were met by hosting community events.

Memphis Pride Cheer made an impact by hosting performances for 24 teams and showcasing their routines and skills for loved ones, while giving back to the community.

In December, the University of Memphis Athletics Department held a gift-wrapping party. More than 60 student athletes and athletics staff cleared their busy schedules to shop and wrap gifts for more than 50 youth.

“These student-athletes show up for us and help spread joy to children in our programs,” said Marcie Mulhern, director of development for Youth Villages West Tennessee.

“Having the student-athletes shop for the children and youth makes it extra special, while also emphasizing the impact of the Youth Villages and University of Memphis Athletics partnership.”

Thank you to C.H. Robinson and all sponsors, volunteers and shoppers for making this holiday season magical for families and youth!

2024 Holiday Hero Sponsors

presented by
C.H. Robinson

Miracle Maker Sponsor
Strategic Online Systems

Christmas Day Sponsors
Konica Minolta
Coldwell Banker – Mary Williams
Memphis Pride Allstar Cheer & Dance
Ring Container

Workshop Sponsor
Boyle Investment Company

Holiday Celebration Sponsors
Evolve Bank & Trust
Famous Footwear
IREM
McDonald’s- Jeffers and Blaszczyk Families
Southern Security
Ticket to Dream

Holiday Volunteer Engagement Sponsors
LRK

Corporate Shopping Partners 20+:
Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce
C.H. Robinson
Centerline/SouthWorth
KPMG
Southern Security
University of Memphis – Athletics

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